Local Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Heroic Rescue of Dog and Five Cats

With Assistance From EMTs, Rescuers Use Special Oxygen Masks to Save Animals From Burning House

For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2010

Contact:
Lauren Stroyeck 757-2622-7382

Lakeland, Tenn. -- For rescuing five cats and one dog from a burning house and resuscitating them, the Shelby County Fire Department and the Shelby County office of Rural/Metro Corporation will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.

On Tuesday morning, approximately 40 firefighters from the Shelby County Fire Department responded to a house fire in Lakeland. Using oxygen masks that are specially designed for cats and dogs, the firefighters-with the help of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from Rural/Metro Corporation--saved the lives of five cats and one dog. Twenty-two other cats perished in the fire, and one of the cats ran away after being rescued. Concerned residents continue to search for the missing cat. Two of the firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and were hospitalized. Both are expected to recover.

"Among our mottos here, we say, 'To Protect Lives and Save Property,'" said Brent Perkins, public information officer for the Shelby County Fire Department. "We realize that this does not stop at human beings. And we will continue to assist our animal friends at every opportunity." He added that the department hopes that "someday every first responder agency throughout America can be equipped and trained to help in this manner."

"The compassion and heroism shown by the Shelby County firefighters and Rural/Metro EMTs are an inspiration," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "Shelby County is very fortunate to have agencies that are ready to protect and serve both the city's human and nonhuman residents."

The Shelby County Fire Department and Rural/Metro Corporation will each receive a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation from PETA.

For more information, please visit PETA's Web site HelpingAnimals.com.